AUGUSTA — The Augusta Preservation Commission and the Kennebec Historical Society will present a lecture exploring 20th century architecture, “Preserving Maine’s Recent Past” by historic preservationist, Dan Mitchell of River Road Restoration, in Sidney. The free lecture is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, in the lecture hall on the first floor of Augusta City Center; refreshments will be served.

Beginning with the English Art Movement of the 19th century Mitchell will present a survey of architectural styles, ideas and influences (1870-present). He will discuss the origins of Modernity and the emergence of the American style in Chicago and why this is important in the architecture of Maine. Mitchell will conclude with examples of buildings styles in Maine and why we should be interested in historic preservation and the culture of our recent past, according to a KHS news release.

Mitchell was born in Bucksport and has been restoring historic buildings since 1998, first with John Leeks, of Portland, and later with Restoration Resources in Alna. He resides in Sidney with his wife Nancy where he operates River Road Restoration (2009). Mitchell has lectured locally on the subject of historic preservation to raise awareness and interest in Maine’s built environment and culture. He has served on the Board of the Sidney Historical Society since 2012.

For more information, call Lorie Mastemaker, chair of the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission, at 620-2792 or visit www.augustamaine.gov.